Luka's head could be turned by megabucks offer from City, admits Redknapp

Harry Redknapp has fired the first warning shot to Manchester City as they consider a summer swoop for Luka Modric.

But the Tottenham manager admits that the Etihad Stadium club’s money could pose a problem in his side’s quest to keep their influential playmaker.

City boss Roberto Mancini was quoted as saying: ‘It is by no means easy to get him because he plays for a big club. Luka Modric is an outstanding footballer, definitely one of the best in the Premier League.’

Target: Luka Modric is the subject of Manchester City interest

Tottenham fought off competition from City, Manchester United and Chelsea to keep the Croat last year - but Modric looks set to be the subject of interest again this summer.

But the 65-year-old’s words came with a stark warning. City have the financial clout to more than quadruple Modric’s current wages - understood to be about £50,000 a week.

And Redknapp admitted: ‘Only Luka knows what he wants to do with his life. But if someone is going to offer £200,000 a week it could probably turn his head.’

Spurs have failed to win in their last five matches, but Redknapp has been encouraged by the team's draw at Chelsea and victory over Bolton in the FA Cup on Tuesday night.

Spurs lie three points off third-placed Arsenal, but their five-point lead over Chelsea means they are looking well-placed for a top-four finish.

Orchestral: Roberto Mancini would love to conduct Luka Modric

There is an outside chance that fourth will not guarantee Champions League football if Chelsea go on to win the competition, however.

Given they need to beat Benfica and Barcelona en route to the final means that will be hard, but Redknapp hopes to eradicate any possibility his team will not qualify for the Champions League by beating the Gunners to third place in the league.